Septic Pumping

Now Available

Septic Pumping - Private Pumping

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The state laws say that the property owner is responsible for maintaining their tank.

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The state codes say that tanks should be checked regularly and pumped when either side is 33% or more of solids (we have tool we use to measure this). The common rule of thumb is every 3-5 years if the system is being used properly and working properly (it is often written on permits by the county). 

Additionally, if the tank has a filter, the filter should be cleaned yearly (homeowner can do that themselves or higher someone to do it.

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Please contact our office if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

What you should know about pumping a tank:

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  • Price List is available here

  • Pumping does not solve every issues - please see the FAQ section below for more information

  • Let us know if there is anything that restricts access to the property/tank,
    including, but not limited to:

    • Steep road or driveway, very sharp turns, dirt/gravel, snow/mud, ​

    • If there is a significant slope between parking area and tank, or if the tank is farther than about 120ft from the parking area.  There may be additional costs for extra hose and/or booster pump.

  • Our standard pumping includes digging up to 1 ft, removing the lids, pumping 1,000 gallons of flowable solids, and cleaning the filter (if present/accessible).

    • "Flowable Solids" - The solids in the tank should be similar to a muddy puddle or a slightly melted milkshake.  If a tank has not been pumped on a regular basis, the contents of the tank can become too solid, more like clay.

    • 1,000 Gallons - Most tanks in this area have a capacity of 1,000 gallons with 9 in of air space in the tank.

  • Tank lids:  We will remove the lids. We dig up to about 1 ft for free.

    • We will dig up to 3 ft for $50 per foot per lid.​

    • If you are going to uncover the lids yourself:

      • We pump from whatever lid(s) you uncover​

      • The lids need to be completely uncovered when we arrive.  If the lids aren't uncovered, we can uncover for the dig fee or we can charge a trip fee and come back.

  • The Tank Lids/Access Riser Lids are the best ​​way to pump the tank - they provide the most visibility and tank access.  We can pump out of pump ports but they are not recommended.  We cannot pump out of cleanouts (though they can be helpful in locating the tank). 

Septic Pumping FAQs

Policies

Payment

Coming Soon



Cancellations

If you need to reschedule or cancel, please let us know as soon as possible. For inspections: - 50% of the inspection price is refundable if the inspection is cancelled at least 24 hours before For pumping: - Once a truck is on site 50% of the pump price will be due - Once the truck has begun pumping, the full pump price is due



Septic Pumping

What areas do you cover?

Right now we service Western NC. Buncombe & Henderson Most of: Madison, Haywood, McDowell, Yancey, Transylvania, Rutherford, Polk, Mitchell, Jackson, Swain, Macon Individual properties may not be accessible by the pumper truck.



How far in advance do I need to schedule?

That depends on weather and job volume - average is about 1 week out We have a limited number of emergency appointments for backing up in the house during the week and on weekends/holidays but they are more expensive.



Does someone need to meet you there?

If you have prepaid, and the lids are ground level or uncovered, we probably don't need anyone to be there but we can give you a call when the truck is on the way. if you don't know where the tank is, we may need access to the house to locate the tank.



Price

How much is pumping?

With our inspection or for a tank that has both lids uncovered when we arrive: Buncombe and Henderson County are $300. Other Counties are $300-$400 depending on location. Please call our office for details. These prices are for a standard 1,000 gallon tank. Larger tanks will have an additional fee. In a properly functioning system, the main tank is the only tank that should need pumped. Distribution Boxes, ​Pump Tanks, etc can be pumped for an additional fee.



Septic Problems

Stuff is backing up in the house/tub drain/etc

There are two causes: The tank is overly full. Pumping will provide at least temperoray relief. If it has been pumped recently, there might be another problem (next question). A clog in the line between the house and the tank. Pumping the tank will not solve this problem. That is the domain of a plumber due to license law.



Tank was recently pumped and is full again

Pumping may provide temporary relief but will probably not solve the problem. This can be caused by a couple of things: Water leak in the house/too much water usage. Drainfield failure Filter needs cleaned



Stuff is coming up in the yard

If its over the tank, pumping will probably provide at least temporary relief as the tank is probably overly full. If it has been pumped recently, there might be another problem (see previous question). If its over the drainfield that is usually a sign of a failing drainfield. If so, it can cause the tank to back up, but pumping will only provide temporary relief